Now that bikini season is in full swing; there will be many of your prepping for a summer holiday or just want to shift a few pounds to feel more comfortable in the heat. But we can all reach a bit of a plateau and find it hard to get any more weight lost. It can be frustrating when you’re exercising regularly and watching what you eat but still stay the same. Don’t get me wrong that is better than a gain. But it won’t get you achieving where you want to be? So here are some tips and tricks to step up your weight loss game that you might not have thought about before. What will you start with today?

You don’t have to cut back on all of your beloved carbs in an effort to lose weight. What you might be doing wrong is that you might be eating carbs on the days that you shouldn’t be. Which is where you want to introduce carb cycling. Basically, the concept is to boost your carb intake on the days that you are exercising and cut it down on the days that you’re not. It can be a better option for many people than simply having a low-carb diet. Low-carb diets can often mean that your metabolic rate is lower and you don’t always get the right fuel for your muscles. So mix things up, and you should be seeing a shift in your weight loss.

Change Up Your Supplements

If you find that you’re lacking in energy and still having trouble losing weight, then adding some supplements into your diet can be a good idea. The reason being, we are asked to have so many different things in our diets. Protein, iron, vitamins, carbs, as well as different minerals and antioxidants. But it can be hard to eat everything that you need to eat, in order to get all of those things, especially on a lower calorie food plan. So the best thing to do is to add some supplements. It could be something a simple as multivitamin or something more specific. You can request Xenical for weight loss, for example, or get an iron supplement to help with your energy levels. If you’re not sure what is best for you, you could do a little research online, or speak to your doctor or trainer.

Increase Protein Intake

Protein is one of the best things that we can be eating to help aid our weight loss. So amping up how much protein you eat is going to be a good thing in terms of weight loss. You consume fewer calories when you have protein as they use more energy to digest than things like fats. They are also great for keeping you feeling fuller for longer. So have an extra piece of chicken or an extra spoonful of chickpeas or quinoa, for instance.

Interval training is one of the best things that you can do for your body to help it lost weight. If you find that you’re just using steady cardio, like running for twenty minutes and then a bike for twenty minutes, then you’ll be struggling to lose weight. Interval training uses high energy bursts with some lower impact work to maximise the amount of calories that you will burn. The great thing is that you’ll carry on burning the calories long after the workout is over. So try adding this style of workout into your routine at the gym.

Relax and Destress

For many of us, weight gain can be as a result of stress. So in order to reduce overeating or not exercising, you need to find a way to relax and destress. If it can be that going to the gym or cooking yourself a good meal is a way to destress, then great. If not, try to choose things that aren’t going to be detrimental to your health, such as drinking too much or eating copious amounts of chocolate while binge-watching Netflix.

Add Coconut Oil

Like protein, coconut oil has a similar effect on your body, in that it burns a lot of calories just from eating it! It is also completely natural which means your body can process it all at once and use it as an immediate energy source. So it is a great addition if you’re looking for improving your overall body fat loss. Do you use coconut oil in your cooking or daily routine at the moment?

Most people would readily admit that they are keen to look their best as often as possible. Of course, it goes without saying that this is easier said than done. But although achieving the perfect body is difficult, you can take steps towards getting the kind of physique you are really looking for. If you are like most people, you probably have certain parts of your body that you are especially concerned with improving. You probably want to do anything necessary to make sure that you get them just right. Most people are like this, and as it turns out the popular parts of the body that people focus on here are generally similar. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular parts of the body that people generally want to be proud of or change for the better.

The eyes, as we know, are the windows to the soul, so it is hardly surprising that people are so obsessed with them. However, it might seem a little strange to be obsessed with this particular part of the face. After all, there is really not very much you can do about the appearance and nature of your eyes. Most of the work that you can do revolves around the area outside the eyes. You might have wrinkles, and be keen to get rid of them for example. This is a particularly common one. If that is the case for you, you can easily reduce the appearance of wrinkles by eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and moisturising frequently. You might also benefit from getting plenty of sleep, so maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a new bed. If you don’t like the colour or shape of your eyes, that is another matter altogether, and short of surgery it is hard to do much about it. However, there is an increasing trend for people wearing coloured contacts to various events. If you are happy fiddling with them, that can be at least something of a temporary solution. When you are happy with your eyes, you probably feel a lot better about yourself, so it is worth thinking about what you can do to improve your own set of eyes.

Hair

People of both sexes really worry about their hair a lot. For many people, this can be because they are unsure about what they actually want to do with it, or because it seems as though they are limited in what they can do with it. If you don’t feel entirely happy with your hair, it might be worth asking the professionals what they think you should do. Next time you go to the hairdressers, see what their professional opinion is. It might be that they suggest a style which you have never thought of, ore maybe one which you always assumed would not work for your face. But it might be worth a go, particularly if you are at a dead end when it comes to your hairstyle. Yeah, there is a possibility that you will regret it, but you also might find that you end up with the best hair you’ve ever had. It is probably worth the risk for that reason alone. The hair impacts your whole look in a big way, so this is likely to be really important to most people.

If you are lucky, then you have never found yourself worrying about your nose. However, plenty of people have, and this can be particularly tough. After all, it sits directly in the middle of your face - if you are not happy with your nose, then you are probably not happy with your face in general. If you feel this way, it can be distressing. But even with something like this, there are likely to be solutions. It might be that you decide to get some plastic surgery done, for example. Although not for everyone, it is good to know that the option is there if you want to go for it. Just make sure that you choose a good surgeon for the procedure. The last thing you want is to add your name to the long list of people who have had to take out rhinoplasty claims because their procedure failed or went completely in the wrong direction. As long as you end up with the nose you feel you were born to have, you will probably be a lot happier with your face overall - and that can make a significant difference to how you feel about yourself in general.

Many people obsess over their legs,and this is definitely something of a cultural obsession. If you find yourself doing this, however, there are many possible steps you can take to improve it. Your legs just need to be used as much as they were designed to be. You might want to think about taking up a spinning class or going cycling for real - or maybe even going jogging a few times a week. This is really the only level of exercise you need to keep those legs toned, so it is worth it if you find you are really concerned about your legs. It will also hugely help your overall fitness and health, so there is really no reason not to do this. I'm

Tummy

Let’s be honest: for most of us, this is a lifetime concern. Part of the reason for that is because it takes so much to keep track of it. There is so much that affects your tummy size and shape, and it can sometimes seem basically impossible to stay on top of it all. However, if you put a consistent and concentrated effort into ensuring you keep your tummy tight, you might be surprised at how easy it is to do so. As long as you keep something of an eye on your diet and carry out some basic exercises, you should be fine. The good news here is that pretty much any exercise will help to keep your tummy toned, so you can’t really go far wrong.

Our furry friends are part of the family and many owners can’t bear to go on holiday without them. Yes, you could put them in kennels or home boarding but many owners spend their holidays worried about their canine best friends instead of enjoying themselves. Then there is the cost; it can cost just as much, if not more, to board your dogs than take them with you. So, if you’re planning a trip with your dog, here are some tips for making it a success.

Although your dog may be an excellent traveller, the least amount of time spent in a car for a dog, the better. That means it’s best to plan your journey beforehand, so you can work out the quickest route. If you’re travelling for longer than an hour, you’ll need to make a stop along the way. This is so your dog can have a quick toilet break, some fresh air and walk if they need calming down. Take a look at where you’ll be able to stop and get out for a break. There may be some dog friendly restaurants along the way.

Pet Friendly Accommodation

If you’re staying away from home, you’ll need some pet friendly accommodation. There are plenty of pet friendly cottages available when you want aluxury stay in the Cotswolds. Check the size of the property is suitable for your family and dogs. You don’t want to turn up to a tiny space with three Great Danes. Read all of the small print before you make your booking. There are some hotels that won’t allow dogs in their gardens or there may be some restrictions as to which rooms dogs are allowed in.

Just like packing for children, you need to pack for dogs in advance. It’s no good heading off on holiday and forgetting to take the dogs leads with you. Make a list of everything you might need to take with you on your holiday, so you don’t forget anything when you’re running out the door. It’s always wise to take some food, treats, blankets, leads and adoggy first aid kit. It’s likely you’ll be able to find things you need while on holiday, but take the essentials just in case.

Know the Area

If you’re taking your dogs on holiday with you, you’ll have to plan your activities around them. It’s a good idea to know of any good walks in the area in advance and what’s going on. Charities often hold events where you can include your dogs and you won’t have to look far to find a pub that offers dog meals and drinks. It’s also wise to have the contact number of the local vet to hand, just in case your dog needs attention for something.

Taking your dogs on holiday with you can be a wonderful experience, but preparation is the key to making a success of it. If you’re relaxed, they will be too.

While a lot of people get excited about their birthday, for others they dread getting another year old. And not just because the years are going past so quickly. But down to it meaning they start to lose their youthful look. In fact, they might start noticing ageing lines and wrinkles which can leave them in despair. But there are some ways you can ensure you look younger for longer. In fact, here are some ways to turn back the clock on your looks.

Make sure you are following a healthy diet

You might not realise that food can have such an effect on your appearance. But it’s true that what you eat can affect your looks. So if you are consuming an unhealthy diet full of sweet treats and high-fat foods, you might soon notice your skin takes a turn for the worse. Not only will you notice more spots appearing, but you will also spot wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, if you want to look more youthful, you need to make a change in your diet. Cut out those sugary foods from your life, and pick up healthier items like fruit and vegetables. In fact, there is a whole list of foods which are good for skin. For example, people who consume yoghurt tend to have fewer wrinkles, so eat this for breakfast. Green tea is also excellent for gorgeous skin too. So cut the coffee and drink this instead to sustain your youthful looks!

It’s sometimes hard to turn back the clock on your looks on your own. After all, those wrinkles and fine lines you already have can be hard to remove. Therefore, you might need a helping hand to ensure you get youthful looks again. One option would be a facial. In fact, if you book in for a series of facials, they can help to rejuvenate your skin so that it looks gorgeous again. You could also look into going for a facelift. The procedure is perfect for helping you to look young by giving you tighter and smoother skin. Or if you want something less invasive and safer than a facelift, you could consider a treatment like body sculpture acoustic wave therapy. It’s painless and non-invasive while giving you similar results to a facelift. So you will soon be smiling when you look in the mirror.

Go more natural with your makeup

You might be surprised how much makeup can have an effect on your skin. If you cake it on every single day, you can soon experience ageing skin. In fact, you might end up looking way older than your actual age. Therefore, to help you stay looking younger, you should go more natural with your makeup. Cut down the amount you are applying on a daily basis. You just want a simple look when it’s time for the workplace. After all, some lippie and eye makeup should be enough in the day. And if you go more natural, you are bound to find your skin improves, and you look more youthful!

When people are planning a vacation, they tend to think immediately of lavish hotel rooms when it comes to accommodation options. But have you really given serious thought to all of the options available to you?

The classics - hotels, motels, and hostels

There’s a good reason why hotels are still the most popular option for people on vacation. You don’t exactly have to stay at some ultra-luxurious place such as Four Seasons or the Hilton to reap the famous benefits. Hotels are a complete break from reality; no cooking your own meals, people tidy up after you; there’s a general feeling of being pampered. This is the case for motels, too, though motels are often cheaper.

Hostels are something you should consider too, however, if you’re just travelling by yourself. You can read more hostels at msfinancialsavvy.co.uk. A lot of people assume that hostels are basically just for touring college students, but that isn’t the case. If you’re really eager to see a place on a budget, then a stay in a hostel might be your best option. As long as you’re willing to make a few sacrifices and meet some new faces, then don’t dismiss a hostel!

A (temporary) place of your own

Of course, not everyone likes the total break from reality that hotels provide. Some prefer to have a stronger sensation of being ‘at home’ when on vacation. You can get vacation apartments pretty much anywhere; for example, those heading to London can find short let apartments at londonservicedapartments.co.ukThere are loads of reasons why; the main concern for most is the price. But this can actually work out cheaper than other options if you play your cards right.

A vacation rental usually gives you access to your own kitchen, which allows you to save a good amount of money by buying ingredients and cooking your own meals. This also allows for greater flexibility if you have particular dietary needs. Having a short let apartment also allows you to have a bit more privacy than a hotel allows. (And certainly more than a hostel allows!)

Getting (really far) away from it all

If you really want to stay somewhere with a strong sense of privacy, then you might want to look into the biggest break from reality of all: renting a lodge, cabin, or cottage somewhere a bit more rural, such as a quiet village or something even closer to the wilderness. This is the best way to get a truly scenic getaway, away from the hectic nature of most vacations.

If you find the right cabin in the right location, then you can get closer to nature than you’ve ever been before. There’s a useful list of cabin vacation ideas at tripadvisor.com. Without all the noise and traffic that usually comes with vacations, you’ll be able to relax much more effectively. And if that’s the reason for your travelling in the first place, then this may very well be the option you want to consider most. And if you really want to be isolated, you could even consider renting a cabin out on its own island!

As you may have seen ELLE Sport have recently released their new Ushaiya collection. Over the last few weeks I have been trying out a few of the items so thought I would share with you my opinion of them. And it's actually quite simple, I LOVE them. Normally the majority of my gymdrobe (gym wardrobe) are black, grey or white items, I'm not normally one for training in colours, so I have actually loved training in colour for a change. I feel a lot more summery when I'm wearing these pieces, and it's good not wear black in the sun. I have found the items very versatile, and now I would be lost without them in my gymdrobe.

To be brutally honest I don't really have anything to support in this area, however I do love the added shape this sports bra gives me. Due to being flat chested I have the option of wearing this with or without the padding and both look great, however I actually prefer wearing it with the padding as it feels a lot more comfortable for when I'm doing cardio. The bra includes DriActiv technology which prevents too much pespiring while working out, its nice to still feel fresh after a workout. The bra also runs with the colours of the other items.

These are probably my favourite item out of my purchase. With going to the gym regularly I am quite happy with my shape and I do feel quite toned however these just give you that added shape and really do enhance your silhouette. I love that they have built in a deep double lined waistband that sits at around belly button height, with my tummy being my trickiest area to lose fat from, this helps hide away the part I don't like and adds extra support to my tummy. They have also added in leg panels that enhance the curvature of your muscles, my legs are probably one of my favourite features so I like that they are highlighted in these tights. The tights also include DriActiv technology which helps keep you feeling fresh after your workout, as well as including reflective rainbow detailing to keep you noticeable while running at night.

This jacket finishes off my outfit, and brings it all together. As this is my summer workout set I don't always need a jacket, however some nights are colder than others, and some days I just don't always feel comfortable in just my sports bra. This jacket is actually perfect for out running or in the gym, it includes two concealed pockets to stash away your essentials, for me I'm always looking for somewhere to put my car key so this is perfect. My favourite feature about this jacket is that it doesn't sit on your hips, the back of the jacket sits just under your bum, which I find stops it from riding up while your running. Again it also include DriActiv technology and reflective detail to keep you safe on an evening.

The items are probably some of the highest quality that I own, with being a regular gym goer my gym sets can get washed 2-3 times a week, these haven't faded in colour or changed in shape when they've been chucked in the wash. They also stick to their word and keep you feeling fresh after your workout, obviously I do sweat, but it very rarely shows up through the material. I would definitely recommend you purchasing from the Ushaiya, I have been so pleasantly surprised.

Everyone should be encouraged to pursue careers that really incorporate their interests. Of course, this is often easier said than done. Besides, there are certainly some interests out there that there really isn’t a lot of room for in a professional sense! Still, developing a career that incorporates things you’re actually interested in is one of the best things you can do. Most people don’t feel satisfied at work, and it’s reasonable to assume that a large portion of those who are unsatisfied with their jobs feel that way because what they’re doing doesn’t really engage them. It may not even take that much advantage of their true skills and knowledge.

The problem is that a lot of people end up getting stuck in these sorts of careers that don’t really make them feel that engaged. This is bad for pretty much everyone. The workers end up in careers that don’t really satisfy them. The employers end up with employees who aren’t passionate about the work they do. And the consumers don’t get as great a service because of that same lack of passion!

So it’s better for everyone that as many of us get jobs in our great areas of interest. And for many fitness fans, getting and keeping fit isn’t just something they do to help strengthen themselves and prolong their lives - it’s something very close to their heart. So if you love fitness, it makes sense that you try to land yourself a career in the fitness industry!

But how do you go about this? How many different career paths are there in such an industry? Thankfully, you’ve got a pretty wide range of options that can meet people of varying skills and other interests. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones you can work towards today!

Writer

We’ll start with the least obvious one! People don’t usually imagine that sitting down for long stretches of time and writing would be something that fitness lovers are all that into. After all, it sort of sounds like the antithesis on a healthy lifestyle, right? Well, not so much. Let’s face it; most of us get our information about fitness and healthy lifestyles from books and online articles. (After all, what are you doing right now?)

So those who have fitness skills and advice to offer, as well as sharp writing skills, could look into this career path. You could start your own blog or get a job writing for magazines or other websites. If you think this sounds good but you’re not too confident in your writing abilities, then don’t fret too much - you can develop such skills

. Good writers aren’t born with the ability to write well - they learn it!

Personal trainer

Sure, you may be incredibly fit and strong. But what about other people? There are people out there who want to attain peak fitness but are having a lot of trouble. Well, why not help those people out? Personal trainers are essential to the fitness industry; they provide services to those who are just starting out and even to those who have reached a plateau and need to advance.

Becoming a personal trainer will require completing a course; some gyms may offer them, and there are places like Origym to consider. You can become a freelance trainer, offering your services through your own website and working your own hours. You could aim to get hired at a gym; those places are in need of personal trainers to help people on-site, helping specific customers for either a session or two or even in the long-term. This is the sort of fitness career path that can actually help you get even more fit, which is definitely a bonus!

Nutritionist

A lot of people underestimate the importance of maintaining a diet that’s appropriate to a given fitness regime. If you’re not eating the right foods, then you may end up not getting enough energy to work out as much as you can. You may not get enough protein to help you build up more muscle. Some people think diets are pretty self-explanatory, but they can actually be pretty complex. And the more you exercise, the more attention you need to put into the nutrients you’re getting.

This is why nutritionists are so essential to the fitness industry. While this may not have been the first career path you thought of when considering a job in this field, this may be better suited to your interests if you don’t want to train with others or sit around writing for hours. Consider looking into a course or even getting a degree in the subject!